Shepherd Vs Hearst

[Anonymous]

I’m not sure of the OOB vs IB population at Shepherd but Hearst is mostly IB kids that live close to one another. It can be tough to really feel a part of things as an OOB family unless you really go out of your way to become involved in the community. I’d imagine it is even more challenging if you live far away from the school. Hearst is a great school but I’m Not sure it’s worth the move for a 2nd grader if you already have a solid option. Good luck OP! These decisions are never easy.

[Anonymous]

If your kid is Black stay at Shepherd.

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the input

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Yes, OOB at Shepherd which is already a commute. Therefore weighing my options. I would prefer if my 9th grader did not have to catch the train to JR. Glad to hear the schools are comparable, Shepherd has been a good experience so far!

In that case def move to Hearst — commute will be much better, and it’s a good school

[Anonymous]

The folks that run upper NW have become fairly anti-car. So if you choose to drive just be prepared for a lot of side eye looks from moms on cargo bikes during drop offs

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The folks that run upper NW have become fairly anti-car. So if you choose to drive just be prepared for a lot of side eye looks from moms on cargo bikes during drop offs

What a bizarre response! As a Hearst family that drops off via car, I've not seen more than 1 cargo bike family. There are a lot of walkers but it's just not true that car drop offs are looked down upon.

To OP, Hearst is a great school. It will have a new principal next year which is probably a positive. I don't know if there's any advantage to Hearst over Shepherd, especially if you are giving up a neighborhood school with all the convenience that brings. I would also imagine a high schooler would have a different schedule and so drop offs and pickups may not align anyway (eg kids have before and after school activities in high school).

[Anonymous]

OP, I have a second grader at Hearst and I can confirm that it’s a really wonderful bunch of kids. We have had a great experience this year with an incredible teacher.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The folks that run upper NW have become fairly anti-car. So if you choose to drive just be prepared for a lot of side eye looks from moms on cargo bikes during drop offs

What a bizarre response! As a Hearst family that drops off via car, I've not seen more than 1 cargo bike family. There are a lot of walkers but it's just not true that car drop offs are looked down upon.

To OP, Hearst is a great school. It will have a new principal next year which is probably a positive. I don't know if there's any advantage to Hearst over Shepherd, especially if you are giving up a neighborhood school with all the convenience that brings. I would also imagine a high schooler would have a different schedule and so drop offs and pickups may not align anyway (eg kids have before and after school activities in high school).

The Hearst neighborhood have elected ANCs that are pushing the Connecticut Avenue bike lane project that will add 3000+ cars a day to the adjacent side streets making east-west driving in the morning challenging for friends commuting from across the park. EOTP residents like OP, who were not consulted about this project, need to educate themselves so they understand the daily logistical challenges this will present and map out transit solutions instead of driving.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:The folks that run upper NW have become fairly anti-car. So if you choose to drive just be prepared for a lot of side eye looks from moms on cargo bikes during drop offs

What a bizarre response! As a Hearst family that drops off via car, I've not seen more than 1 cargo bike family. There are a lot of walkers but it's just not true that car drop offs are looked down upon.

To OP, Hearst is a great school. It will have a new principal next year which is probably a positive. I don't know if there's any advantage to Hearst over Shepherd, especially if you are giving up a neighborhood school with all the convenience that brings. I would also imagine a high schooler would have a different schedule and so drop offs and pickups may not align anyway (eg kids have before and after school activities in high school).

The Hearst neighborhood have elected ANCs that are pushing the Connecticut Avenue bike lane project that will add 3000+ cars a day to the adjacent side streets making east-west driving in the morning challenging for friends commuting from across the park. EOTP residents like OP, who were not consulted about this project, need to educate themselves so they understand the daily logistical challenges this will present and map out transit solutions instead of driving.

There's a (no joke) 289 page thread you can complain about this on.

Fwiw, Hearst is losing about 1/3 of its staff and probably both admin

[Anonymous]

I have a Hearst kid now at Deal.

We liked the school very much, and your high schooler would have no problem getting to J-R from Hearst, if that's a factor. You could plausibly do one drop-off. It's about a 15 minute walk, or you can catch buses going up Wisconsin Ave if the weather is lousy. It would also give you some flexibility for your high schooler to come and meet the little one at school (e.g. if you were running late for a pickup).

[Anonymous]

Like pp mentioned, this is a massive turnover period for Hearst as both administrators are leaving and a large percentage of staff members are jumping ship. I’d stay at Shep.

[Anonymous]

The cargo bike poster definitely does not go to Hearst. We are an OOB Hearst family from EOTP and have never felt unwelcome. Many families (even inbound) commute by cars as they head to the office after drop off. It’s a wonderful community.